Pubdate: Fri, 13 Feb 2004
Source: Pique Newsmagazine (CN BC)
Copyright: 2004 Pique Publishing Inc.
Contact:  http://www.piquenewsmagazine.com/index.lasso
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2356
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?158 (Club Drugs)

DATE RAPE DRUGS 'OUT THERE'

Neither the Coast Garibaldi Health Authority nor the Whistler/Pemberton 
RCMP have any statistics involving the use of date rape drugs, but both 
acknowledge that it is going on. Most events aren't formally reported, and 
the ones that are often lack proof - both common date rape drugs, GHB and 
Rohypnol, are all but impossible to detect more than eight hours after they 
enter the blood stream.

Pique Newsmagazine received a report of three suspected cases in the last 
six weeks through a friend of the victims. Two of the girls were taken to a 
hospital in Squamish, according to the report, and one made it home with 
the help of a friend.

Paul Martiquet, the Medical Health Officer for the Coast Garibaldi region, 
does not know of any specific cases, but says it is happening in the corridor.

"I wouldn't say it's a growing problem, but I think it's a problem that the 
readership should be aware of," he said. "It is going on, and we have been 
made aware of it in the past. I think it's important that women in Whistler 
know it's a risk and to take preventative measures to keep it from happening."

Both GHB and Rohypnol are turning up. Both are available on the street, and 
are undetectable in drinks.

To protect themselves, women should not leave their drinks unattended, and 
should be aware of the symptoms.

"Essentially what happens is that both drugs depress the respiratory system 
and they can cause a little reduction in social inhibitions at a low level. 
At a high level you get an unexplained euphoria that gives way to sedation, 
so if you're feeling low, getting too high off a drink than what the 
alcohol could account for, then you need to make a friend aware of that," 
said Martiquet.

Dizziness, vertigo, seizures, vomiting and drowsiness are also symptoms.

If you think you've been targetted, go to an emergency room to have your 
urine tested.

There are no statistics for the occurrence of date rate drugs in Whistler 
because it is hard to detect, but Martiquet says it's important to go to 
the police to help generate more accurate numbers.

Community policing officer Michelle Nisbet says the RCMP don't get many 
complaints from the public that can be verified by tests, but says they 
believe it's going on in Whistler.

"It's hard to get stats, but it's reasonable to expect cases are going 
unreported," said Nisbet.

"Our advice for girls is don't leave your drink alone, and don't put it 
down, keep it in your hand. Always go out with a group, and keep an eye on 
each other. "I wouldn't say it's a massive problem, but it's something that 
surfaces every so often."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom